UW regents approve tuition hike

The University of Washington Board of Regents met this afternoon and ushered in two controversial changes for the state’s flagship university — one that will have some students reaching deeper into their wallets and another that has divided faculty in science departments.

The regents voted to raise tuition seven percent for most students starting next fall. For more information about the tuition hike, read the story we published last month.

In a statement released this afternoon, UW President Mark Emmert said:

“Tuition at the UW has historically been low, and even with this increase it is going to be $1,900,. or 20 percent, a year lower than comparable institutions around the country. Still, we understand that for some families, paying tuition can be a struggle, which is why the UW will be increasing the amount it allocates in financial aid as tuition rises. We also remain committed to the Husky Promise Program, which guarantees that Washington students from low income backgrounds pay no tuition at all.”

The regents also voted to establish a College of the Environment, a plan that has the faculty in some science-related departments fearing for their program’s autonomy. Read the story P-I reporter Lisa Stiffler wrote earlier this year for some background information.